The Blues have been the subject of regular raids from the Premier League, with top talent lured away by the bright lights on offer elsewhere.

Jack Butland was snapped up by Stoke City last January, before being loaned back for the remainder of the campaign, while Nathan Redmond completed a switch to Norwich City over the summer and Curtis Davies linked up with Hull City.

Birmingham's ongoing financial struggles leave them open to further advances, with the likes of Chris Burke and Darren Randolph generating plenty of transfer gossip.

Clark is determined to ensure that no more key men slip through his net, but acknowledges that he is in the dark when it comes to possible outgoings - with there a chance that his hand could be forced.

He told the Birmingham Mail: "I don't know, honestly, I don't know.

"I just think I have got some good, talented young players who will be catching people's attention. But I am hoping that we don't have to go down that route this January.

"If it was to happen again with another couple of players, it's difficult to keep going to the well and bringing more out. You can't keep doing it on a repetitive basis. You need a bit of help.

"Hopefully they (other clubs) might keep looking at the young players and think 'they need a bit more time to develop' so we can keep them here."

Clark added: "As I have said many, many times, I just get on with the football side of it.

"Whatever is happening, it doesn't take away from the fact that this is a huge club, it doesn't take away from the fact that have got fantastic facilities and we have got a great following. That's all that concerns us."

till I suppose it still gives him at least another year in the job. By the time it comes around , he can always make up another excuse. First it was 3 months , then a year .....Next year ? Whats his excuse with Van Persie ?